Culinary Excellence at Sea: SeaDream Yacht Club Tops Forbes Rankings

Discover why SeaDream II is now one of the most highly rated dining destinations afloat

If you think cruise ship dining is all buffet queues and fixed seating, it’s time to raise a glass (and your expectations). SeaDream Yacht Club has just been crowned with one of the highest culinary honours at sea — and it’s redefining what it means to dine in luxury.

In its 67th annual Star Awards, the revered Forbes Travel Guide rated the best dining experiences at sea, with SeaDream II taking a top spot. Out of all cruise ship restaurants reviewed in 2025, only five were awarded a star rating. SeaDream II was one of just three to receive an esteemed four-star distinction — a rare accolade in an industry where excellence is measured against nearly 900 rigorous criteria.

A Dining Ritual, Not Just a Meal

“Dinner in SeaDream II’s dining room is an unhurried ritual, where every course feels like a celebration,” wrote Forbes. With no fixed schedules or rushed seatings, guests dine at their own pace, whether beneath the stars or in the elegant indoor restaurant.

It’s not just about the menu — although daily-changing dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients certainly help. It’s the entire experience: tailored service, intimate settings, and the freedom to dine where and when you please.

A Floating Restaurant with a Private Yacht Feel

SeaDream II also earned a Recommended rating from Forbes, placing it among just 14 cruise ships recognised globally in 2025. It’s more than a ship — it’s a floating boutique hotel with a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio and access to the world’s most exclusive harbours. Think Portofino, St. Barts and Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor, far from the cruise crowds.

“From the moment you step aboard, you feel like a guest on a private yacht,” reads the Forbes review.

Al Fresco Freedom

SeaDream is the only cruise line where every guest can dine al fresco in a single seating — a rare feat in maritime hospitality. From a sun-kissed breakfast to a candlelit dinner under the stars, SeaDream dining is spontaneous, sociable and soulful.

“Freedom is at the heart of everything we do,” says Executive Hotel Manager Christophe Cornu. “Our cuisine is fresh, flexible and deeply personal, crafted à la minute with global inspiration.”

Why It Matters

In a sea of sameness, SeaDream Yacht Club stands out — not with gimmicks, but with gastronomic excellence and genuine service. As Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream puts it:

“This recognition is a true reflection of the passion and precision our culinary team and crew deliver every day.”

SeaDream Yacht Club isn’t just offering the best food at sea — they’re offering one of the finest culinary experiences in luxury travel.

For more information, visit www.seadream.com or call 0800 058 4818.

SeaDream Sets the Table for Luxury at Sea